Open transformer cabinet

ABSTRACT

A transformer casing is disclosed that allows access to the front and side of the transformers while providing a lighter cover.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/794,251, filed Mar. 15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed toward a cabinet for transformers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Routine maintenance on transformers can be difficult due to the side panels and covers that must be moved out of the way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We disclose a padmount transformer casing having a hinged cover that does not have to be opened as high as other covers. The cover, therefore, is lighter than conventional covers. The front panels and side panels are also able to open more fully than traditional cabinets due to hinges located along an additional side panel. This allows sufficient airflow while allowing a technician to access the components within the cabinets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the detailed description of preferred embodiments when considered in conjunction with the drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of transformer cabinet from the front with the top panel in the open position.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the transformer cabinet from the front with the left side panel open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. For purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required to practice the invention. Descriptions of specific applications are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of the invention. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1. illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the transformer casing 1 with the front panels closed on the cover 9 in an open position. The transformer casing 1 consists of two front panels and a lower panel that make up the front of the transformer. Front left panel 3 is connected by hinges to left side panel 4, which is connected also by hinges to left structural panel 5. Left structural panel 5 is fixed at a right angle to back panel 2, as shown in FIG. 2. As a result, left front panel 3 and left side panel 4 can swing open to reveal the contents of the transformer and allow maintenance personnel to work on the transformer. Left structural panel 5 is a solid piece of metal that extends from the top of the transformer to the bottom, and is rigidly connected to back panel 2. Left structural panel 5 serves to prevent left side panel 4 from opening too far, causing stress on the hinges, or swinging behind the transformer in a gust of wind, and possibly coming into contact with an object behind the transformer. It also provides structural integrity to the transformer as it aids in providing a strong frame to the transformer.

The right side of the transformer casing 1 is constructed in a similar manner. Front right panel 6 is connected by hinges to right side panel 7, which is connected also by hinges to right structural panel 8. Right structural panel 8 is fixed at a right angle to back panel 2, as shown in FIG. 2. As a result, right front panel 6 and right side panel 7 can swing open to reveal the contents of the transformer and allow maintenance personnel to work on the transformer. Right structural panel 8 is a solid piece of metal that extends from the top of the transformer to the bottom, and is rigidly connected to back panel 2. Right structural panel 8 serves to prevent right side panel 7 from opening too far, causing stress on the hinges, or swinging behind the transformer. It also provides structural integrity to the transformer as it aids in providing a strong frame to the transformer.

Hinged cover 9 is connected to structural top panel 10 which in turn is rigidly connected to back panel 2. It should be appreciated that, due to hinged cover 9 being attached to structural panel 10, it is lighter and does not have to open as far as if it were directly attached to back panel 2.

It should be appreciated that the transformer casing 1 can open up wider than standard transformer casings due to the hinges connecting left side panel 4 to left structural panel 5 and right side panel 7 to right structural panel 8. This allows more air to flow across the transformer to help cool it. It also makes it easier for the technician to access internal components of the transformer.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” as used in the claims and specification herein, shall be considered as indicating an open group that may include other elements not specified. The terms “a,” “an,” and the singular forms of words shall be taken to include the plural form of the same words, such that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. The term “one” or “single” may be used to indicate that one and only one of something is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values, such as “two,” may be used when a specific number of things is intended. The terms “preferably,” “preferred,” “prefer,” “optionally,” “may,” and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the invention.

The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures and techniques other than those specifically described herein can be applied to the practice of the invention as broadly disclosed herein without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents of methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures and techniques described herein are intended to be encompassed by this invention. Whenever a range is disclosed, all subranges and individual values are intended to be encompassed. This invention is not to be limited by the embodiments disclosed, including any shown in the drawings or exemplified in the specification, which are given by way of example and not of limitation.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised which do not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the attached claims.

All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents, patent application publications, and non-patent literature documents or other source material, are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in the present application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference). 

We claim:
 1. A transformer casing comprising: a. a left front panel; b. a left side panel; c. a left structural panel extending from the base to the top of the casing; and d. a back panel, wherein said left front panel is connected to said left side panel with hinges, and said left side panel is connected to said left structural panel with hinges; and wherein said left structural panel is affixed approximately perpendicularly to said back panel.
 2. A transformer casing comprising: a. a right front panel; b. a right side panel; c. a right structural panel extending from the base to the top of the casing; and d. a back panel, wherein said right front panel is connected to said right side panel with hinges, and said right side panel is connected to said right structural panel with hinges; and wherein said right structural panel is affixed approximately perpendicularly to said back panel. 